Skip to main content
  1. Posts/

GDT Communion Services - Fear, Control and Confessions

Table of Contents

Communion at Golden Dawn Tabernacle is an experience that differs significantly from that of traditional churches. Rather than observing communion as a remembrance of the death and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, as is customary in Christian churches, this practice in GDT carries with it profound social implications and darker nuances. This blog post aims to explore the transformation of a Christian tradition into a tool of influence and control, creating a sense of foreboding, dread and fear among the members of the Golden Dawn congregation.

The first Sunday of the month at the Golden Dawn Tabernacle is marked by the distinctive practice of evening service communion, which brings with it several alterations to the usual service routine. Notably, the band's performance is suspended for that week—a topic we'll explore further in a separate article. Additionally, the service is scheduled to begin 30 minutes earlier than usual, shifting the unofficial start time from 5:40 to approximately 5:10-5:15 (typical service breakdown explained here). This adjustment underscores the significance of the communion service and allows for Pastor Isaac sermons not to be shortened. During these services the role of song leader consistently passes to Isaac Jacques, Isaac's son-in-law instead of the regular Sunday night song leader. The service unfolds in its customary manner, featuring singing, standing, and extended sermons, yet it is imbued with an atmosphere that is even more "reverent and somber" than typical.

To be eligible for communion in Golden Dawn, individuals must have undergone baptism in accordance the Oneness doctrine, as baptisms performed in the name of the Trinity are strongly prohibited. Typically, baptism is administered at the age of 12, likely due to intense peer pressure, although it has been noted that Isaac's grandchildren are being baptized at increasingly younger ages. Additionally, eligibility requires that one be in good standing with the church, adhering to all its rules and regulations.

Communion at Golden Dawn Tabernacle also serves as a moment of public shaming and fear, as Pastor Isaac utilizes it to publicly address and traumatize those who have broken the church's rules. This is evident when members who have erred are conspicuously excluded from participating in communion, publicly highlighting their supposed guilt of sins in front of the congregation. Moreover, deacons exercise strict control over the ceremony, often barring visitors or family members from other congregations from partaking in communion, reinforcing the exclusivity and stringent criteria for participation within this the church.

A notable distinction from a regular service at the Golden Dawn Tabernacle is the presence of a custom-made table placed alongside the pulpit, covered with a white cloth. This table hosts two decorative gold pitchers filled with homemade grape wine, two gold plates containing torn pieces of unleavened bread covered with a napkin, and two crystal glass cups. These items are believed to be crafted from solid gold, adding a layer of opulence to the ceremony.

Following a lengthy sermon, Pastor Isaac Noriega often invites the pianist and organist to play music, and on rare occasions, a song special chosen for its relevance to the impending ritual is sung as demonstrated with the song below.

Lyrics below (song written and sung by Elizabeth Zepeda):

"Commune with His word, abide in me, and my word in you
Then ask what you will and it will be done unto you
How beautiful, there's real communion, word, spirit, and faith
This great communion of the Lord is eternal life, when we live by Christ.
The cup of blessing, with which we bless, is it not the communion, the Blood of Christ,
The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the Body of Christ?
For I received of the Lord, when He said, take ye my body which is broken for you
And drink this cup, it's a New Covenant, in remembrance of Me
Before the communion with God, we must be washed by the waters of the Word
Come in reverence, with purity of heart, mind, and soul
The wine, a symbol of His bloodshed for us, the bread of His broken body
The washing of our feet symbolizing the quickening of the Holy Spirit
Whoever eats this bread, or drinks this cup in an unworthy manner
Will be guilty of the body and of the blood of the Lord
If we judge ourselves, we will surely not be judged
For this reason, many are sick among you but there is healing in the cup.
The cup of blessing with which we bless, is it not the communion of the Blood of Christ
The bread which we bring, is it not the communion of the Body of Christ
For I received from the Lord when He said take ye my body which is broken for you
and drink this cup its a New Covenant in remembrance of Me.
Partaking of the Lord's supper is not a tradition but a revelation,
Blessed is he who keeps all his statutes and commandments
That he might have a right to enter into the tree of life
Christ is the Spirit, the anointing on the bride that is meat and drink.
The cup of blessing with which we bless, is it not the communion of the Blood of Christ
The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the Body of Christ
For I received of the Lord, when He said "Take ye, My body which is broken for you
And drink this cup, it's a New Covenant, in remembrance of Me"

Public Confessions, Guilt & Discipline

This period also serves as a time for maintaining church discipline, including the excommunication of congregants who have departed from the church and/or the public reading of letters from members seeking forgiveness (required if they wish to restore their communion privileges). This is also where Isaac Noriega reminds the congregation that if they are taking communion while secretly sinning, it will bring sickness to the congregation and they will be guilty of eating and drinking the flesh and blood of the Lord while being unworthy. This practice contributes to a somber and fearful atmosphere, heightening the tension and apprehension among those present. This approach by Pastor Isaac is a method to ensure the church follows his strict guidelines and maintains his control over the congregation.

Communion Ritual

After this moment of collective reflection and discipline, a prayer is offered, transitioning the service into the preparation phase for the communion ritual. At the commencement of the ritual, an organ soundtrack playing "We Remember Thee" and other hymns fills the air, setting a solemn tone for the ceremony. Isaac calls upon six men—a mix of elders, deacons, and trustees—who take up their designated roles around the congregation. Isaac proceeds to pour wine from the gold pitchers into the cups, preparing for the distribution.

These six men divide into two teams of three, each serving one side of the church. Their roles are distinct: one holds the cup of wine, another carries the plate of bread, and the third gently indicates to congregants, row by row, when it's their turn to partake. A unique aspect of this communion is that the entire congregation drinks from only two cups, with a church official controlling the amount each person receives and ensuring that everyone drinks from the same spot on the cup. This practice, particularly concerning during the COVID-19 pandemic, raised significant health concerns (link1, link2).

After receiving communion, congregants are instructed to return to their seats, bow their heads, and pray with their eyes closed. During this time, Isaac Noriega takes the opportunity to observe the congregation from the platform behind the table, often expressing disapproval through gestures or scrutinizing the attire of the women, claiming to be discerning the congregation's spiritual state. Curiosity however sometimes gets the better of the congregants, with some attempting to sneak a glance during this process.

The ritual concludes only after every member has partaken, at which point the six officials who facilitated the service receive communion themselves, followed by Isaac serving himself last.

Foot Washing

Following the wine and bread portion of communion, another prayer is offered, leading into the next phase of the ritual: foot washing. At a signal by Isaac, the men and women head to their designated rooms, segregated by gender. This practice, has become more efficient in recent times because of the new church building (2015- present) it includes two large foot washing rooms—one for males and another for females—which allows for simultaneous ceremonies. This contrasts with the past (1993-2015) when only one room was available, necessitating alternating sessions and doubling the duration. Upon entering the foot washing area, congregants pair up to perform the mutual act of washing and scrubbing each other’s feet using small basins filled with cold water, followed by drying with a towel. It is noteworthy to mention that the foot washing rooms have pictures of Isaac and Lucy Noriega lining the walls (same pictures as depicted in the Two Pioneers book).

The foot washing rooms are very large, totaling 7,091 square feet and able to hold 1012 occupants, as shown on the left side of the sanctuary in the below church blueprints.

An example is shown below of the late Billy Paul Branham washing the feet of a fellow congregant at a different church.

The late Billy Paul Branham washing the feet of a fellow congregant at a different church

This ritual poses particular challenges for the elderly and those with disabilities, as well as for women who must navigate the church's strict modesty codes, striving to reveal as little of their legs as possible. The practice reveals underlying issues of nepotism and elitism, especially among women, where a spiritual caste system becomes evident as some prefer to wash the feet of those they consider more pious or integral to the ministry.

Pastor Isaac selects specific male congregants, often newly baptized boys, for a personal foot washing conducted in a private room, emphasizing the "significance" and grandeur of his office. Several authors of this site have experienced this foot washing experience and it is not a cherished memory.

After completing the foot washing, the congregation regather in the main sanctuary. This time is often used for singing, with Isaac leading the congregation in old apostolic Spanish hymns that are unfamiliar and difficult for many to follow, partly due to his challenges in carrying a tune.

Post Communion Fast

The atmosphere of reverence extends beyond the service at Golden Dawn Tabernacle, as congregants are expected to maintain a solemn silence and engage in personal reflection once the service concludes. Speaking or socializing outside in the church parking lot is strongly discouraged, a practice that aligns with the already minimal interaction observed. Members are urged to head directly home, avoiding stops at stores or restaurants. Some of the more devout families take this a step further, opting to fast for the remainder of the evening as a means to honor and fully absorb the significance of the Lord's Supper. This is taken so seriously that in the past, if Isaac Noriega heard of families taking an excursion on communion night (such as going grocery shopping, fueling up or going to a restaurant), he would angrily criticize them publicly in a following service.

Conclusion

This article briefly captures the unique manner in which the Golden Dawn Tabernacle observes communion. The communion ritual month after month, year after year is shrouded in a atmosphere of dread and apprehension, due to the fear-based tactics employed by Pastor Isaac Noriega. He consistently warns the congregation against the sacrilege of partaking in communion while harboring unconfessed "sins", using this threat as a means to exert control and coerce members into publicly confessing actions that are, by any standard measure, normal and harmless—such as interacting with excommunicated family members, having internet access. This approach has instilled a deep-seated fear among congregants, compelling them to comply with his directives, and has turned the communion ritual into a tool for manipulation and control. In a future article, we will examine the doctrinal interpretations of communion within this congregation, examining the profound spiritual and emotional impact these practices have on its members for so long. It's disheartening to see the Lord's Supper, a sacrament meant to commemorate Christ's death and celebrate his resurrection—thereby imbuing it with joy—being used in a way that controls the congregation and traumatizes them. We hope the members of Golden Dawn Tabernacle can free themselves from this prison of fear-mongering rituals and control and be free in Christ.

Do you have any information you'd like to share about this topic? Feel free to comment below, or you can contact us directly at our Contact Us page or via our social media accounts below.


Archived Comments
#

31 comment(s) imported from the original site:

PeaceMaker — February 3, 2024
#

Dear Reader,

As per the mission statement of this website, they claim to provide accurate information. We want to offer transparency and clarity on how the Golden Dawn Tabernacle practices Communion. According to the article,

To be eligible for communion in Golden Dawn, individuals must have undergone baptism in accordance the Oneness doctrine, as baptisms performed in the name of the Trinity are strongly prohibited. This is not only a Golden Dawn Tabernacle requirement for communion but is a sacrament many Message churches practice. As many know, the Golden Dawn Tabernacle follows the teachings of William Branham. As the message Communion (63-0707) states,

There’s only three orders that the Lord had give us, and that was baptism, taking of the bread and wine, and feet washing; is the orders. It is inaccurate to assume that the practice of the Golden Dawn Tabernacle is exclusive to them. The teachings of the Bible and William Branham’s messages also accept this practice. Some argue that baptism and communion alone will not save you and go on to explain the concept of the New Covenant. Here is an exert from the message Questions And Answers (59-0628)

Eat of the bread… Now, I know Jesus is the Bread of Life; that’s true. But this is a symbol just like baptism. Baptism doesn’t save you; baptism is only a sign that you’re witnessing to the congregation that you believe in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It doesn’t save you. Water will not save. It’s your faith that saves you. But baptism is an order, and it must be carried out, ‘cause God can’t say be baptized, and then turn around and say it doesn’t need to be done. He cannot issue taking communion, and turn around, and say there no need to taken it. You’ve got to do it. It’s an order forever with God.For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.Now, you see there? Comes right back to the Christian that’s trying to take communion, that’s not in Christ, not fellowshipping in the Spirit; he isn’t worthy of taking it. And when he does take this communion, he’s eating and drinking damnation to himself, if he’s going out smoking, lying, stealing, committing adultery, or something like that, or not living a Christian life. And people see the kind of life he’s living, and then coming in, taking this order of the death and–and body of Christ, taking into him a symbol that–that he has received Christ the Word in his heart, and taking this symbol in there behind it. He said he eats and drinks damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.For this cause many are sick and weakly among you, and many sleep.For if we would judge ourself, we should not be judged.But when we are judged, we’re chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world. Christians are recommended to practice baptism and communion as they are considered essential sacraments. The message quote also highlights the importance of worthy participation in communion and reminds us that this is not a teaching unique to Pastor Issac Noriega.

It has been claimed that only two cups are used during the communion sacrament and that the elders ensure everyone drinks from the same spot on the cup. However, according to many who have partaken in communion at the Golden Dawn Tabernacle, this statement is inaccurate. As per current members, two cups are indeed used, but the Elder often rotates the cup and, at times, even wipes it with a handkerchief.

In the men's foot-washing area, several pictures can be seen featuring Pastor Isaac Noriega with other pastors, such as Pastor Hugo Castillo, the late Pastor Stephen Francis, and the late Pastor Daniel Rojos. Additionally, there are photographs of deacons who have passed away. It's worth noting that these photos aren't exclusively of Pastor Isaac Noriega.

According to the article, the congregation sings worship songs after participating in the foot-washing sacrament. However, it is inaccurate that Pastor Issac leads the congregation in old apostolic Spanish hymns that are unfamiliar and difficult for many to follow. Instead, the worship songs sung after foot-washing are primarily aimed at the young children of the church. This information is relatively easy to obtain and highlights the need for more transparency and accuracy in these articles.

It would be beneficial if any member of the website team could provide recent instances where Pastor Issac criticized a family for going to the store or filling their vehicles with gas after a communion service to support their accusations.

Good journalism is characterized by fundamental principles and practices contributing to credibility, accuracy, and ethical standards. These principles include accuracy, context, depth, and transparency. This website needs to adhere to these principles for future articles.

Sleepy Church Member — February 3, 2024
#

Definitely Rey’s favorite time of the month 🦶🤤

Sleepy Church Member — February 3, 2024
#

The cups were disgusting, I remember some ppl would backwash and you had pieces of the Lord’s body floating in the wine.

Shalom — February 3, 2024
#

Ud peacemaker…. siempre tan intellectual y defensor de este sistema, que si en verdad siguieran los mandamientos y doctrinas de la Biblia, esta Iglesia seria una bendicion de Gente nacida del Espiritu del Señor.. Pero que tenemos? La cominion es la ocacion preferida para Issac N . de desplegar su autoridad y su oprecion sobre las ovejas, su oportunidad para ver a cada hna pasar y verlas por enfrente de su cuerpo y por atras. Su oportunidad para con la mirada desaprobar o no aprobar a quien su criterion lo decida. Imponiendo su maldito deceo, como nuevas reglas como la de caminata de cierta forma para pasar a tomar la Cena, esperar a la pareja si estas casados y si estas soltero (a), caminar de cierta forma y velocidad. Es un verdadero ritual de disiplina y oprecion, si en verdad lo hicieran como DIOS Manda fuera una bendicion, pero Alli En GDT Todo es tradicion y muerte. Ud peacemaker, esta defendiendo que??? … Nomas ud queda en ridiculo, y ladrando Al árbol incorrecto… Ud deveria ayudar a las personas que siguen saliendo de Alli de alguna manera ,y serrar la bocota.

Footsy — February 3, 2024
#

Lol the foot washing for most of the women at least was a joke loud fake bawling from bro johns daughters all the time. Alot of the girls picked their friends to wash their feet to hide there obvious painted toenails from someone that would go snitch on them lol

GDT Research — February 3, 2024
#

Peacemaker,

Thank you for your engagement and comments. Below is our response:

We never made the claim that this communion ritual is exclusive to GDT. However, it is important to note how much weight is put on this ritual at GDT and how it used to control the congregation, with fear, public shaming and immense peer pressure.

Agreed on the photos but you’ll be hard pressed to find a photo in display in the foot washing room that Pastor Isaac Noriega is not in. Even the photoshopped “theophany” picture of Isaac and Lucy is on display (also shown in the Two Pioneers book).

With regards to the hymns, your statement contradicts the Two Pioneers book, which states the following on page 165:

“Furthermore, knowing that God was also raising up another generation oflittle children, Brother Isaac continued to invest in that new generation. While in the third tabernacle, he taught several songs to the children that he remembered learning during his own childhood. “Some of the songs he taught them included “Con Pluma de Oro” [With a Pen of Gold-Ed.], “Yo, Señor, el Barro” [I, Lord, am the Clay-Ed.], and “All Through the Week”-songs that he would then sing with the children during the Communion services along with many other children’s songs.”

Perhaps Isaac has not criticized families recently, but have you considered that this is because compliance is so engrained into the congregants that he has not had to? Some of us personally remember him publicly chastising the congregation years ago, multiple times. You may not remember this, if you were a child back then.

We thank you for your comment and engagement but your argument is grasping at straws, at best.

PeaceMaker — February 3, 2024
#

Communion at Golden Dawn Tabernacle is an experience that differs significantly from that of traditional churches.To be eligible for communion in Golden Dawn… To be eligible for communion at any Message-believing fellowship, one must meet the exact requirements of the Golden Dawn Tabernacle. It is true that the Golden Dawn Tabernacle places great importance on this sacred sacrament, but shouldn’t we all? Communion is a time for self-reflection, examination, and repentance. Participants are strongly encouraged to examine their hearts, confess their sins, and seek reconciliation with God and others before partaking in communion.

…Isaac leading the congregation in old apostolic Spanish hymns that are unfamiliar and difficult for many to follow. As you pointed out in the Two Pioneers book,

…he would then sing with the children during the Communion services along with many other children’s songs. You seem to contradict your first statement, which says these songs are unfamiliar and challenging to follow. We state that the songs sung post-communion are songs geared toward the children of the Golden Dawn Tabernacle. In what way are we contradicting?

Regarding the issue of public chastening for noncompliance with post-communication "ritual," it has been observed that some current members, including those in leadership positions, have been seen going to the grocery store and filling up their gas tanks after taking communion in recent months. However, there have been no reports of any public reprimands from the pulpit on this matter.

GDT Research — February 3, 2024
#

Peacemaker, it sounds like we are generally in agreement then, about the overall facts surrounding the communion ritual at GDT.

Would you be willing to share your personal experience with communion at GDT? How do you reconcile taking communion while secretly using the internet (against Isaac’s preaching)? Not that there is anything wrong with using the internet, but do you feel any type of cognitive dissonance?

Saved By Grace — February 3, 2024
#

Very spooky song. What’s even spookier is Isaac gets to pick who is worthy The only funny part of this is they mentioned the new covenant …Isaac knows nothing about the new covenant he only knows works legalisms and condemnations. are you worthy of Isaacs communion cup ? Answer: No However thankfully Jesus has made us all worthy!

PeaceMaker — February 3, 2024
#

The “facts” you present lack transparency and accuracy, as they are manipulated to serve your agenda. So, to say that we agree on the overall facts surrounding communion at the Golden Dawn Tabernacle is incorrect. We can acknowledge that the Golden Dawn Tabernacle does engage in communion, foot-washing, and baptism. It is essential to adhere to the principles of best practice and responsible journalism when shedding light on an organization by presenting all relevant facts, whether positive or negative.

It's interesting how you brought up using the Internet as if it were supposed to be relevant to our discussion. You and others use this phrase to argue fallaciously, as it doesn't provide valid reasoning against the original point.

Excess Communion — February 3, 2024
#

Communion at GDT was always dull and robotic. I remember when Isaac make it mandatory for couples to wait for each other….. everyone would peek to make sure the problematic couples would listen. I also remember the glares Isaac would throw when his musicians were not back at the piano/ organ and the sisters were still playing. what is ironic, with all the gold cups, fake holiness, the ritual and the reverence to Isaac we were no better then the Catholics. Here’s to Pope Ismael.

Saved By Grace — February 4, 2024
#

There are many ways in which legalism raises its ugly head in the life of the people of God.. But to bind people’s consciousness where God has set us free, to add human regulations and the Law of God, is the worst and most devastating form of legalism -RC Sproll

Happy ex member — February 4, 2024
#

Of course @peacemaker would ask for recent pictures or evidence when he very well knows they have caged and have everyone scared and have completely forbidden pictures and cameras from the congregation (GDT has its own photographer so no pictures are leaked) yes GDT you have “secured” your kingdom very well. But remember there are hundreds that have lived the GDT legalistic experience. And the truth always comes out. Keep defending your rules and regulations. Like the Pharisees did. The truth always comes out. You leaders make people ask for forgiveness thru a letter publicly during your communion services for using the internet. Yet here you are defending your crimes. That’s why the internet question done to you by the GDTRT IS RELEVANT.

Happy ex member — February 4, 2024
#

It’s hilarious how they say that RECENTLY Isaac has not reprimanded families for going to the store or filling up gas. But what about going to a restaurant or getting together with friends?? Answer that one question @peacemaker.

Richard — February 5, 2024
#

I’ve always been fascinated by rituals. Why do we have them? Why do we do them? It seems that rituals have accompanied humans since the beginning of humanity when humans decided it was better and safer to live in society. That’s when rituals appeared.

I asked ChatGPT:

“What is the meaning of rituals and why do we do them?”

And it answered:

“Rituals are a set of actions performed in an orderly and deliberate manner, generally with a symbolic or ceremonial purpose. These actions may be prescribed by the traditions of a community, religion, or society, and are often imbued with cultural and spiritual significance. Rituals can vary widely in their form and purpose, including religious rituals, rites of passage (such as graduation ceremonies, weddings, funerals), initiation rituals, and everyday practices that acquire a ritualistic character. Meaning of rituals Community and social connection: Rituals often serve to reinforce social cohesion and community identity, uniting people through shared experiences and common beliefs. Transmission of traditions and values: They act as a vehicle for transmitting traditions, values, and knowledge from one generation to another, helping to preserve culture and a sense of belonging. Structure and predictability: They provide structure and predictability in people’s lives, offering moments of reflection, celebration, and mourning at appropriate times and in a socially recognized manner. Transformation and transition: They mark significant transitions in people’s lives (such as births, coming of age, marriages, and deaths), helping individuals and their communities to process and accept these changes. Spiritual connection and reflection: They allow people to express their faith and spirituality, connect with the divine (according to each one’s beliefs), and reflect on life issues, purpose, and connection with the universe. Stress and anxiety relief: Performing rituals can have a calming and therapeutic effect, as the repetition and familiarity of the practices can help reduce anxiety and provide a sense of control and order in people’s lives.

Why do we do them?

Rituals are performed for a combination of reasons that range from fulfilling a basic psychological need for structure and predictability, to the desire for spiritual and community connection. On a psychological level, performing rituals can help people manage grief, celebrate achievements, and mark important moments of transition, offering a tangible way to express emotions and values that might otherwise be difficult to communicate. On a social and cultural level, rituals strengthen community ties and ensure the continuity of shared traditions and beliefs.”

Well, ChatGPT gave me a good objective and generalized answer. If you ask me, what do I think about rituals and traditions? I will answer according to my 57 years of life experience (35 years as an evangelical and now 22 years living according to my conscience) to that I must add that I developed a bit of an antisocial personality.

Then I would answer:

Rituals and traditions are to ingratiate oneself with other people, to belong. I personally have few rituals; I do not like to impose rituals nor do I like them imposed on me, at this point in my life many of them seem unnecessary. If you want to live an honest, transparent, and free life, becoming aware of things, you will end up questioning all the family and religious rituals and traditions imposed on us throughout our lives. Many family and religious rituals and traditions (depending on the context) are just to bind people, to bind you, they want to see that you are controllable, that you submit like all of them. If I were pursuing power, privileges, having authority over others, to dominate and manipulate others, certainly rituals and traditions are a good way to ingratiate oneself and to see who is who.

I have friends who traditionally do not miss anyone’s rituals and traditions, they like to attend birthdays, baptisms, weddings, funerals, etc., almost every weekend they have an event, they like to socialize and feel part of something. They are traditionalists, hard workers, they are fine, they continue with the family and cultural traditions in which they were born. We are friends, I explained to them that I do not like social events and family rituals, I tell them that I developed a certain social phobia to those things, and they understand well, they still love me and respect my personal decisions. Nothing prevents us from sharing life stories and enriching our friendship spiritually.

However, with other people, more selfish, more jealous and envious, it’s different. For them, family rituals and traditions are about dominance, submission, and control. They need you to be submissive and to think like them. For them, freedom, becoming aware of things, transparency, respect, have another meaning and another value. They value a tradition or a ritual more than the person itself. I am not sure if they have the capacity to understand or accept that you can think differently and still be valid. I try to explain my situation, that I have a certain stutter, that I do not feel very comfortable in social gatherings, that if going to a social event makes me feel worse than being alone, I prefer to be alone, that I feel very good with myself, I like being alone… Some cannot understand that, it short-circuits with their traditions, customs, and beliefs.

To each their own, I try to surround myself with people who love me well and respect me, just as I love and respect them. I like to belong and be part of something, but if that belonging and being part of something means that my opinions and respect for my person are not taken into account, I DO NOT WANT THAT.

Family and religious traditions, rituals, customs, and beliefs have been accompanying us throughout history, think of those traditional families that have power and money, how customs and traditions exert pressure on each member of the family, we see those family photos where they all seem so blessed, beautiful, and united. But behind that beautiful family photo, many other things happen that if we knew, we would run away. Add to that the pressure of being “the chosen ones,” saints and perfect. It does not surprise me that given such pressures, manipulation, lying, addictions, vices, fears, insecurity, lovelessness, violence, abuse, disrespect, not becoming aware are common in those families and communities.

Peacemaker Anonymous Coworker — February 6, 2024
#

I work with Peacemaker at Banner Health and see this individual constantly browsing this site. It’s obvious that Peacemaker is obsessed with it.

Get back to work, Peacemaker!

I Preached what Paul Preached — February 7, 2024
#

@Peacemaker,

Nowhere in this article did it say that the way Golden Dawn Tabernacle practices communion, by the way of drinking wine and eating unleavened bread, as well as the foot washing was exclusive to them. It’s understood that Golden Dawn Tabernacle follows the teachings of William Branham as do other message believing churches, but what does the Bible say?

You say that the message quote highlights the importance of “worthy participation” in communion, but who is William Branham to say that certain things like smoking, lying and stealing, are sinful acts that makes you unworthy? There was a man that attended Golden Dawn Tabernacle by the name of Joe Herrera, who was found dead in his car from on overdose of illegal drugs, yet he took communion, and at his funeral Isaac said that he went home to be with the Lord. Heck there is someone there currently that uses illegal drugs and Isaac knows about it and he still takes communion. Look at his own son Mathew Noreiga who is so obese, he sweats just walking down the stairs from his audio position. If I remember correctly gluttony is a sin in the Bible. Not to mention all the lies, and conniving Isaac and Rey do almost on a daily basis. So, tell me Peacemaker which sin is greater? According to the Bible doing these acts makes you a sinner, and according to Isaac sinners can’t take communion. Jesus told the angry mob that whoever is without sin to cast the first stone. At least those people were wise enough to know that as the Bible says in 1 John 1:8 “if we claim that we are without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.” Jesus himself in Matthew 5:21-28 tells us that if you just thought about harming someone or calling them a fool/idiot, or to even look upon a woman to lust, then that person is in sin and worthy of death. So where do we draw the line? And who is going to tell us if we are worthy to participate in communion?

I think the answer is right there in front of us, in the Bible. 1st Corinthians 11:31 “For if we JUDGE OURSELVES, we should not be judged.” James 4:11-12 says not to judge our brothers or sister, for if we do, we are not followers of the law. He says that God is the law, and it is not right for you to judge anyone. Yet Isaac thinks he is a High Prest who can judge everyone according to their works. Which brings me to my next point.

Isaac makes communion about the works one does here on earth, meaning if you do the right works according to Isaac, then you are worthy to take communion. This totally contradicts scripture. Paul, in Romans 7:14-25 tells us how we have a sinful body, and that no matter how much we want to do good evil(sin) is present. Some would say that Paul was the best Christain that ever was, yet he was so frustrated with the sin that is PRESENT in his own body that he cries out “oh wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death(sin).” He goes on to say that if we have faith then the works would be in us. Meaning that if we are trying to serve God, He will recognize our faith even when we fall. (I believe that’s where the song Amazing Grace came from). Golden Dawn like to put a limit on God’s Grace, not realizing how great it is, yet they sing about it almost every service, it just flies right over their heads because Isaac has made salvation obtained by works not grace.

When Jesus took communion, he did it with all 12 disciples including Judas Iscariot. During communion Jesus told them that one of them would betray Him yet knowing this, he still served communion to Judas. That same night Jesus also told Peter that, before the rooster crowed Peter would deny he ever knew Jesus, thus making Peter sin. Yet he served him communion. Jesus never said you need to do deeds to take communion, he said to do it in remembrance Of Him. And Paul told us to JUDGE OURSELVES that we would be worthy to partake in communion. Jesus forgave the thief on the cross. He never told him it was too late. Jesus called Paul to preach the Gospel, even though he persecuted Christians. He didn’t say to make it right with all those people first. Jesus didn’t tell the prostitute at the well to leave out of his presence. Instead, he told her to give him some water, realizing she had faith to believe.

If you ask anyone who is a part of the Golden Dawn ministry, if communion is a personal walk with the individual and God, and if one prayed in their heart and really meant it, that Sunday night, just before taking communion, would they be forgiven? They would say yes without hesitation. I know because I’ve asked this of an elder before. Yet time after time they fold to the rituals Isaac as placed before them instead of obeying the word. In order to take communion, one has to be blameless of “sin”. In otherwards if you “sin” in secret its ok, but if someone finds out you’re going against Isaac’s teachings then there has to be consequences so that other may know not to disobey Isaac. Then you have to write a confession letter and ask Isaac and the church for forgiveness, which another elder once said was a Catholic doctrine. After that public humiliation you are then recovered and able to take communion, however Isaac will give you a nasty look the entire time you’re in line, to drink form the highly contaminated cup everyone else drank from. (as if turning the cup and wiping it with a handkerchief is going to remove all the germs) all totally going against scripture.

With that being said I challenge you Peacemaker to do as the Bible commands you to do. As a part of this ritual Isaac does with communion, he also takes the opportunity to excommunicate people from the church, “and deliver them to satan for the destruction of their flesh that their souls might be saved”. Let me ask you something Peacemaker. Have you ever read that scripture? Paul was saying to do this to a man who took his father’s wife and slept with her. But he went on to say not just the fornicators but also the covetous, the idolater, the extortioner, the drunkard, and the RAILER! And if we are telling the truth about Isaac, he loves to rail against people almost every service. I don’t see where Paul says to do it to people who disagree with you, or to people who decide to go to another church. Paul never said to give someone 30 days to “straighten up” and stop talking to girls, or skipping church service, or having smartphones, or cutting your hair a certain way. But he did say to do it to Isaac (the railer). So, I challenge you to get 2 or 3 witnesses and deliver Isaac Noriega to satan for the destruction of his flesh so that he will repent, and his soul might be saved in the day of our Lord. Now, if you don’t do this, are you a follower of Christ, or a follower of Isaac?

Shalom — February 7, 2024
#

Issac N y su familia viven encerrados alla en su comunidad Dignidad… Por lo tanto nadie conoce como viven, se saben cosas , feas… como donde su hijo mayor abusador de menores y villano con las mayores, su hijo Mateo tambien de le taparon sus vagancias, y ahora sus nietos como Abel,… Es una cosas tras Otra , pero quien los juzga a ellos para que tomen la comunion??? Issac le a aconsejando a otros ministros que le tapen los pecados a sus hijos, como Al hno Daniel Rojas sobre su hijo Samuel Rojas que cometió adulterio e Issac Les aconsejó que no lo dijeron a la Iglesia. .. Asi que es una verdadera burlap los que los Noriega hacen con la congregacion, ni queremos saber lo que pasa alla en su comunidad donde viven aislados de Todo mundo. .. TRAMPOSOS Y MENTIROSOS

Saved By Grace — February 7, 2024
#

Dear : “I Preached what Paul Preached” Please drop the mic!!! 🎤 You are on point.. as the lefty brick layer would say shaaaaa!

I Preached what Paul Preached — February 8, 2024
#

Peacemaker,

your claim that: To be eligible for communion at any Message-believing fellowship, one must meet the exact requirements of the Golden Dawn Tabernacle, is false. Isaac will disallow a person to take communion simply for having a smart phone or when he finds out they have been using the internet. yet there are countless message-believing churches that have their own websites, iPad and smartphones. You say, “shouldn’t we all places great importance on this sacred sacrament”. Yet you lied in your first few sentences. Maybe you shouldn’t take communion this next go around since according to Isaac, not only have you sinned by lying but you also use the internet, in which you will probably continue to do. Are you then taking communion unworthy? Maybe you should check your life and repent to isaac.

PeaceMaker — February 8, 2024
#

Dear reader, if you read the context of what was being said regarding partaking in communion at the Golden Dawn Tabernacle, you will understand that we were discussing the requirement of being baptized to be eligible for communion rather than the rules that allow you to partake of it. The original article made this distinction clear.

To be eligible for communion in Golden Dawn, individuals must have undergone baptism in accordance the Oneness doctrine, as baptisms performed in the name of the Trinity are strongly prohibited. As many know, the Golden Dawn Tabernacle follows the teachings of William Branham. As the message Communion (63-0707) states,

There’s only three orders that the Lord had give us, and that was baptism, taking of the bread and wine, and feet washing; is the orders.

PeaceMaker — February 8, 2024
#

We are intrigued by this. This website is fixated on identifying us. We assume you’re a website administrative team member, as only they can access the commenter’s IP address. You claim that we’re the ones obsessed with the website. Let’s define what obsession means.

It’s a persistent, intrusive, and uncontrollable fixation on a specific person, thing, or idea. It involves intense and repetitive thoughts, feelings, or desires that dominate one’s mind, often to the detriment of other areas of life. Generally, it’s a state in which a person’s thoughts and actions are overwhelmingly focused on one subject, leading to a lack of balance or perspective. If the information presented in these articles is accurate, unbiased, and verified, there should be no need for any comments by Peacemaker. The writers of these articles are taking their time to investigate the facts and accusations. Their facts are expected to be unbiased, truthful, and verified, especially given that they have insider knowledge of what goes on in the Golden Dawn Tabernacle. As per the mission statement of this website:

We plan to accomplish our vision and purpose by gathering comprehensive, factual information about the history of the church and its leadership team through the use of public records…We will verify the accuracy of this information through documented sources and witness accounts.

Shalom — February 8, 2024
#

Uhuuuuuu….. Good one!!! 😄😄😄😄

Shalom — February 8, 2024
#

Heyyyy .. pacemaker…. Bla, bla, bla , bla, bla, How money they pay you??

KKK — February 11, 2024
#

This guy and his ChapGPT. Give him his own blog.

Peacemaker is a Yes Man — February 14, 2024
#

I guess when you hit peacemaker with truth and scripture he has nothing to say. He must be a follower of Isaac then instead of Christ.

Richard — February 14, 2024
#

Hahaha, yes, it’s true, I should start a blog and share all my experiences and anecdotes, with life, with the message, with Christianity, with the discoveries I’ve been making. I’m thinking about what angle to give the blog, you know, all these topics are thorny, unpleasant, and hard to digest. I wouldn’t want to foster hatred and polarization, but it’s very difficult in all this, considering that the reason we’re here, on this blog, was because our parents accepted a message of hate, and that little seed, over time, bore its fruits. Fruits such as: not knowing how to discern between good and evil, between what’s real and what’s deceit, between love and hate, spiritual manipulation, abuse of authority, mental slavery, in simple words, our parents were ignorant or chose not to see and understand certain realities. Our parents were deceived (and so was I for a while) with a proposal of being God’s chosen ones, assured of going to heaven, and all those promises that fraudsters use to gain their own followers. Regarding ChatGPT, yes, it’s something new, I’m surprised by how well it’s working as a consultant. I’m using version 4, it’s quite coherent and objective in its responses, and maybe the reason for citing the source is to encourage and reassure people not to be afraid to use it, it doesn’t bite (for now).

Ligth — February 17, 2024
#

YES, PEACE MAKER HAS DE ISSAC NORIEGA ANOINTING!!!!! LYING….!!!!! HE LIES TO THEM, THEY TO HIM, THEY LIE TO EACH OTHER, AND THEY LIE TO THEMSELVES…!!! THAT IS THE ANOINTING OF GDT…

PeaceMaker — February 24, 2024
#

While the argument presented here emphasizes the importance of not judging others and highlights the concept of grace in Christianity, it appears to misconstrue the more profound messages of the Bible regarding sin, worthiness, and communion. 

It is partially accurate to suggest that Jesus’ actions with the angry mob and his teachings in Matthew 5:21-28 imply a lack of judgment or criteria for participating in communion. Although Jesus showed mercy and forgiveness to sinners, this does not disregard the significance of repentance and striving for righteousness. The Bible does not promote a laissez-faire attitude towards sin, nor does it suggest that one’s actions do not influence one’s worthiness. For instance, in your example, “Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go and sin no more,” we see that Jesus forgave the woman but encouraged her to turn away from her sinful behavior.

Moreover, while it is true that Paul acknowledges the struggle with sin in Romans 7:14-25, it is essential to understand that this acknowledgment does not equate to a free pass to continue in sin without consequences. Paul’s message revolves around the need for constant repentance, growth, and reliance on God’s grace to overcome sin, not a justification for complacency or willful disobedience.

Additionally, the argument downplays the significance of works in the Christian faith. While salvation is based on grace through faith, works are considered a natural outflow of genuine faith (James 2:14-26). Works are not a means to earn salvation but a reflection of one’s faith and a response to God’s grace.

Communion, while it is a remembrance of Jesus’s sacrifice, is also a sacred act that symbolizes unity among believers and a reaffirmation of one’s commitment to Christ. The call to “judge ourselves” in 1 Corinthians 11:31 is a call to self-examination and repentance, not a license to disregard the importance of living a life in accordance with God’s will.

GDT Research — February 24, 2024
#

Judge against whose standards? Isaac Noriega’s or God’s?

I Preached what Paul Preached — March 3, 2024
#

@peacemaker, firstly none of us are worthy. No works that you do will ever make you worthy. What makes you think you are so worthy?

Secondly, you say Jesus told the lady “go and sin no more,” yet Isaac continues to sin by railing against others, constantly lying , deceiving the congregation, and extorting the elderly, the poor, and widows. Matthew Noriega continues to sin by stuffing his mouth and gaining more weight rather then losing weight. So my question to you is have they turned away from their sinful behavior? I’ll answer it since you’re not brave enough to answer it, and the answer is no, they have not turned away from their sinful acts. So what makes them worthy?

Next, you missed the point of my whole response. My response wasn’t to give an excuse for sinful acts, but to show that none of us are perfect and every single one of us sin every single day. Paul clearly says that in the verses you provided. James furthermore tells us that if we brake one law we break all the laws. So again I ask you, what makes one worthy? Are you worthy? According to Isaac you’re sinning for being on the internet. Are you worthy of communion? Is your sin smaller then that of one fornicating, making you worthy of communion and the fornicator not? Your so called “prophet” said a little white lie is a sin just the same as the biggest lie in the world. The Bible says a little leaven leaven’s the whole lump.

My response never gave an excuse for sin, but provided an understanding that even when the inward man, as Joe Torres likes to sing about, wants to do good, the outward man tends to overcome. But upon self reflection and repentance, we are able to partake in communion. No one but ourselves (as you stated in 1 Corinthians 11:31) can judge us to be worthy of communion.

Your ChatGPT response is basically saying exactly what I said in my last response, (quoting the same scriptures and all) but trying to expose the lack of repentance of an individual. Yet if you read my response correctly and responded without a robot you would understand that my response was indicating no one is worthy, we all sin daily and that it’s grace and self repentance in which makes us worthy. It’s funny that your response can’t include anything about Isaac or the questioning of deacons and repentance before communion. Probably because ChatGPT doesn’t know the deacons or Isaac.

So since we agree that communion is a personal walk with the individual and God, and it’s thru grace and one’s willingness to judge themselves before communion that makes them worthy, let’s put that aside, and continue with the rest of my response.

Again I challenge to yo answer the following:

What is sin?

Who is worthy of communion according to the Bible?

If one judges themselves and repents communion night before communion is offered, are they worthy of taking it?

Can a pastor or a deacon tell someone they aren’t allowed to take communion, and if so can you provide a scripture that backs it up?

Is Isaac Noriega worthy of communion according to your standards of repentance and turning away from his sin of railing, lying, and extorting?

Is Matthew Noriega worthy of communion when he continues to commit the sin of gluttony and lying?

Are you worthy of communion because you haven’t repented and discontinued your use of the internet?

Will you follow what Paul said to do and present Isaac Noriega to satan for the destruction of his flesh, for his sin of railing?

Are you a follower of Isaac or Jesus Christ?

If you can’t answer these questions and deliver Isaac to satan then you leave us with no choice to believe, according to the Bible, that you in fact aren’t a follower of Jesus and the Bible, but instead, a follower of Ia man, your god, saac Noriega.

I pray God will deliver you from Isaac and open your eyes.

Related

2023: A Year In Review

As the year winds down, it's with bittersweet emotion that we write our last article of the year. Moving into 2024, we plan to move from a weekly publishing cadence to something much less frequent (monthly or quarterly) for this blog website. For a little over a year, our team has dedicated themselves to weekly posts about Golden Dawn Tabernacle / Tabernaculo Emanuel, spending considerable time researching and writing, and capturing the deep-seated feelings many have harbored for years. Our goal was to bring clarity to those on the outside and to show the true essence of the congregants' experiences, spreading awareness far and wide.

GDT & Billy Paul Branham

For those who are not aware, Billy Paul Branham recently passed away at 3:33 am, on October 19, 2023, according to his younger brother Joseph Branham as posted here. We extend our condolences to the family and wish them comfort and peace.

Examining GDT Discipline Culture - Spare Not The Rod

In this article, we further delve into instances of misconduct at Golden Dawn Tabernacle, with a specific focus on child discipline. This subject often sparks intense debates due to the vast array of opinions surrounding it. However, there should be unanimous agreement that causing physical harm to children is indefensible, regardless of one's disciplinary beliefs. While some might immediately assert, "Such actions don't occur here, and no one in church leadership is mistreating children," it's concerning to note the environment within GDT that can, at times, indirectly condone such behavior.